Europe Cruises: Excursions

The coastal bike tour approximately 8 miles (14km) follows the tracks of the narrow-gauge Parenzana Railroad, which once ran from Trieste to Porec. For 34 years, the Parenzana Railroad was the main transport route between Istria and Central Europe. Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian mayors of the municipalities through which the line had passed decided to establish this new route. The name symbolizes the friendship between the three nations and is now an opportunity for everyone who wants to keep fit. About a hundred years after the Parenzana first started puffing steam along the tracks, all health-conscious people, hikers, cyclists, runners, and other sportsmen and sportswomen, tourists or locals, can experience a new way of getting to know interesting places. The route takes you through old towns and villages, to the sea, through vineyards and olive tree plantations, through short tunnels, across valleys, and up into hilly land. It ends in the tourist town of Portoroz, where you’ll take a return transfer to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh less than 330 lbs.(150 kg) and be in good health/physical condition. less

Depart Dubrovnik by motorcoach along the Adriatic Road through the scenic and picturesque Dubrovnik Countryside toward the Village of Gruda. In Gruda you’ll be met by professional staff who will give a tour briefing. After about fifteen minutes of preparation, your adventure begins. The ride is very scenic as you pedal through the countryside, vineyards and along the Ljuta River. En route, stop near the river, where fresh local fruits will be served. At the end of your biking adventure, you’ll visit a local winery in Gruda Village for a wine tasting. Note: Tour participation is limited, but is subject to a minimum number of participants to operate. Each guest will be given a helmet. We recommend that you wear sport shoes, sport clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. When tendering into Dubrovnik Old Town tour duration will be shorter. less

Explore the beautiful and picturesque villages of Corfu by bike. Leave the port by coach to Dassia where you’ll select your bike and receive all necessary instructions. Accompanied by a local guide, your mountain bike expedition begins with a short and easy uphill climb to the village of Kato Korakiana. Once you reach the village, stop for a short rest at a traditional coffee shop before continuing on to another village. The foothills of Mount Pantokrator offer stunning views of the inner plains of the island, which are stretched below. Through a narrow paved alley, reach the picturesque village of Saint Marcos, an old Venetian settlement with carefully restored stone-built houses and a Byzantine chapel. At a local tavern in this village, enjoy a Greek snack before you take the road down the hill. Note: Tour involves approximately 12 1/2 miles (20 km) of riding on uneven terrain or asphalt road on a slight incline for a total of approximately two hours. Participants must be in good physical condition and must be at least 12 years of age, weigh no more than 220 lbs. and be a minimum height of five feet. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. Mandatory helmets are provided, along with elbow, knee and wrist protection. Even though this tour has limited participation and is conducted in small groups, a minimum number of participants is required to operate. Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; we recommend that you drink a lot of water, use suitable sun protection and dress in layers. less

Take a stroll through Cannes on this walking tour as you learn about its history. Accompanied by your guide, admire the old town of La Sequet and the famous Boulevard of La Croisette. You’ll begin with a walk to the old part of the city built on the site of the former Canois Castrum, a Roman town dominated by a castle, on the slopes of Mont Chevalier. As you take Rue Perissol, the road ascends to Place de La Castre, surrounded by a defensive wall and dominated by the 16th-17th century Provencal Gothic style church, Notre Dame de L’Experance. The old bell tower leads you to a long tree lined terrace, offering a fine view of the town, harbor and Ile Ste. Marguerite. Continue on Rue Meynardier, formerly the main street linking the new town with Le Suquet. It is lined with a variety of shops and some fine 18th century doorways. Pass by the old covered market on your way to the famous Rue d’Antibes, the main shopping street. As you return to the maritime terminal along the famous Boulevard de La Croisette, see where locals stroll in the winter, and how the elegant promenade is bordered by palm trees and gardens overlooking a fine sandy beach. Luxury hotels and elegant shops line the front and side streets along with galleries, antique shops, cinemas and night clubs. At the top end of La Croisette, east of the port, is the new Festival and Conference center; the last stop before heading back to your ship. Note: Tour participation is limited. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. There are approximately 4 miles of walking over flat, uphill and cobblestoned terrain, with 25 steps to negotiate. less

Explore Baja California's desert aboard a rugged Jeep® Wrangler. Your destination is La Candelaria, a small oasis village in the middle of the desert. Once your vehicle is assigned, you’ll set out across the desert caravan-style, following your local guide. Along the drive you’ll be shown some of the local flora and fauna that is found all over the Baja. There are several working ranches along the way, where you’ll see herds of cows and goats roaming the roads. Keep your camera ready as there are many photo opportunities. Driving will be shared among the four guests in the Jeep®. At La Candelaria, you’ll be served a delicious snack and a soft drink or bottled water at the local boarding school, which is home to approximately 75 students during the school week. You’ll also visit a local artist specializing in pottery. As the works are in high demand, there are not always samples available for viewing. Back in the convoy, continue your exploration down one of Baja's largest river washes until it reaches the Pacific Ocean. At the beach, you’ll have some free time to comb the beach for shells or just relax and watch the waves crashing on the shore. Your return trip to the pier will be along Baja's famed Highway 1. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age to snorkel. Drivers must be at least 25 and present a valid driver's license. All vehicles have manual transmission and a maximum capacity of four passengers per vehicle. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart condition, knee pain or injury, spinal and or neck pain or injury or any recent injuries should not participate. Guests must be able to walk approximately 750 yards over uneven dirt surfaces to do the walking portion of this tour. Guests with mobility problems can rest at the boarding school while the rest of the group participates on the walking portion of the tour. less